U.S.–Mexico trade reached a record $800B in 2023, making Mexico the United States’ largest trading partner; and the Port of Laredo was the largest port of entry into the United States.
With more than 250,000 importers and exporters having to navigate the extremely challenging world of border commerce, the Gateway to Trade International Border Summit will bring key leaders from industry and government for a critical one-day summit to discuss the latest in trade and logistics, from developments with the government’s “Partnership Against Terrorism” to new advances in AI and trade.
Conveniently co-located with Border Security Expo, attendees will have full access to both events and be able to explore new technology on the exhibit floor and meet with other industry and government officials there for all things border.
Schedule of Events
Tuesday, May 21
12:00 PM
5:00 PM
Registration Open & Border Security Expo Visit
El Paso Convention Center
Opening Reception
Paso Del Norte | El Mirador
Wednesday, May 22
7:30 AM
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
12:15 PM
Networking Breakfast & Opening General Session
Paso Del Norte | Salon C
Speakers:
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Mayor Oscar Leeser, El Paso (Invited)
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Hector A. Mancha, Director, Field Operations, El Paso Field Office, CBP (Invited)
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Christa Brzozowski, Assistant Secretary, DHS (Invited)
Session: Technology Applications in Trade
El Paso Convention Center | Rio Grande Room
Modern technological terms such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, distributed ledgers, blockchain, and global interoperability are ever present, but what does it mean to those of us working in the cross-border industry? Advances in technology have been making its way into the trade space and there are opportunities to utilize the technologies of the day to facilitate the expedited movement of cargo, enhance anomaly detection, and improve data quality. Be part of the discussion about CBP’s and the trade community’s progress toward incorporating technological tools to support the trade mission.
Moderator: Cynthia Whittenburg, Executive Vice President, NEI, NCBFAA
Speakers:
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Jay Alalasundaram, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Software Applications & Services (SAS), OIT, CBP (Invited)
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Vincent Annunziato, Director, Business Transformation & Innovation Division, Trade Transformation Office, Office of Trade, CBP
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Dave Thomas, Deloitte Consulting
Session: C-TPAT at the Southern Border
El Paso Convention Center | Rio Grande Room
Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) is but one layer in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) multi-layered cargo enforcement strategy. This voluntary public-private sector partnership is most effective when both sides understand their respective commitments. Along the southern border remaining compliant within the boundaries of CTPAT is ever challenging given the rising threats introduced at the border. Learn about CBP’s recent enhancements to the CTPAT program and the private sector's concerns about activities that threaten their ability to remain partners.
Speakers:
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Eduardo Acosta, Vice President, R.L. Jones
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Dennis McKenzie, Deputy Executive Director, Cargo and Conveyance Security, CBP
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Albert Flores, Port Director, Laredo, Texas, CBP (Invited)
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Erik Moncayo, International President, World BASC Organization, Inc. (Invited)
Moderator:Ana Hinojosa, President, ABH Global Trade Consulting, LLC
Session: Cross Border Rail Challenges and Solutions
El Paso Convention Center | Rio Grande Room
According to recent statistics, rail trade with Mexico represents close to $100mm in freight, or 12% of all freight moved on the U.S./Mexico border (second only to truck trade). This vital mode of transport facilitates the mass movement of many goods headed to assembly lines or markets throughout the U.S. and abroad. While rail movement is not immune to some of the issues and challenges facing other modes of transport, this part of the supply chain has its own unique challenging pathways.
We will hear from rail executives and trade stakeholders about the impact of recent disruptions, what has been done to mitigate them, what is in store for the future, and what is needed in terms of infrastructure and technologies to ensure resiliency while ensuring speed to market.
Moderator: Nelson Balido, Chairman, Border Commerce and Security Council
Speakers:
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Steve Simmons, Director of Border and Interline Operations, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad
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Jose Gonzalez, President, NCBFAA
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Dennis McKenzie, Deputy Executive Director, Cargo and Conveyance Security, CBP
Event VenueS
Paso Del Norte
10 Henry Trost Ct. | El Paso, TX 79901
El Paso Convention Center
One Civic Center Plaza | El Paso, TX 79901
REGISTRATION
Registration for the Gateway to Trade is now open!
Registration Rate: $250
Includes:
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Tuesday Welcome Reception
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Wednesday Breakfast, General Session, and Breakout Sessions
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Access to Border Security Expo Tuesday through Thursday
Show Policies
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All participants are required to present a valid photo ID before picking up your badge onsite. Every person entering a session room, exhibit hall, and/or a networking event must have an official Gateway to Trade badge.
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No one under the age of 18 will be admitted.
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By registering for the Gateway to Trade, you consent to The Bridge Group's collection and storage of the data on the registration form and in accordance with The Bridge Group's privacy policy.
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Registration and attendance at or participation in the Gateway to Trade constitutes an agreement by the registrant to The Bridge Group's use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant's or attendee's image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions or audiotapes of such.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received in writing by April 15, 2024 will be refunded in full. Requests received between April 15-May 3, 2024 will be refunded minus a $75 administrative fee. After May 3, 2024, there are no refunds and registrants are obligated to pay 100% of the registration fee, regardless of attendance or payment status. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to IBS2024@anidealpartner.com.